March 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

SURVEY: Using Drones for Marine Mammal Monitoring and Research
by Emily Hague 05 Aug '26

05 Aug '26

Dear MARMAM!, 📢 SURVEY: Using Drones for Marine Mammal Monitoring and Research Do you use - or have you ever used - drones in marine mammal research? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Please take ~20 minutes to complete our short survey and help us map the growing range of ways Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs; drones) are being used around the world for marine mammal monitoring and research: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/uhi/drones-for-marine-mammal-researc… By pooling knowledge from projects globally, we aim to capture the diversity of applications, species, project goals, and researcher experiences associated with drone use in marine mammal science. Our goal is to highlight emerging approaches, share lessons learned, and help inform future projects and best practice. The anonymised results will be presented at a one-day workshop at the European Cetacean Society Conference in Dundee (April 2026): Flying Forward: Innovations, Ethics, and Best Practices for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Marine Mammal Research<https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37>. We also plan to share the outcomes more widely through a publication later this year. We would greatly appreciate responses by 31st March, although the survey will remain open after this date. The more responses we receive, the better we can represent how drones are being used globally - so please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues and networks who may also have relevant experience. Many thanks for your support! Sarah Dolman, Emily Hague and Claire Stainfield Workshop Organisers Dr Emily Hague Marine Mammal Scientist [cid:840cf762-1d2a-45f7-a052-54214efb3c41] BLUE CONNECT Project<https://www.shetlandmarinemammals.com/home> emily.hague(a)uhi.ac.uk<mailto:emily.hague@uhi.ac.uk> shetland.uhi.ac.uk<https://www.shetland.uhi.ac.uk/> Scottish charity no. SC050701 [cid:630f51d8-38ca-4e70-a58e-72e3067ac43b] This message is intended for the use of only the person(s) (“intended recipient”) to whom it is addressed. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Accordingly any dissemination, distribution, copying or other use of this message or any of its content by any person other than the intended recipient may constitute a breach of civil law or criminal law and is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender as soon as possible.

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UF Fall 2025 online aquatics course - Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 20 Jul '26

20 Jul '26

Hi All, Registration is open for Fall 2025. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering the Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues course, fully online. Classes start Thursday August 22th and runs through Wednesday, December 4th. * Registration will remain open through Monday Aug 25th. Aquatic Animal Conservation Issues Class (VME-4012, VME-6010) is an online course (3 credits) designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the controversial issues surrounding aquatic animal species ranging from invertebrates to marine mammals, with an emphasis on marine mammals, but also including sea turtles, fisheries, and marine ecosystems. Students enrolled at any College or University can take this course. *This class is also available at the graduate level within our Care & Conservation of Aquatic Animals graduate certificate* For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [cid:image001.jpg@01DBFCAF.2CF14F90] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environmental training course Devon 13- 16 April
by Zoe Wright 22 Jun '26

22 Jun '26

Underwater Acoustics in the Marine Environment Training Course (Classroom) Date: 13–16 April 2026 Location: Okehampton, Devon, UK Cost: £1950 + VAT Understanding how underwater sound propagates — and how anthropogenic noise influences marine mammals and other acoustically sensitive species — is essential for researchers, conservation practitioners, regulators, and consultants working in the marine environment. This four‑day classroom‑based course provides a targeted introduction to underwater acoustics, acoustic modelling, and marine noise assessment, with direct application to marine mammal impact assessment, behavioural response studies, and mitigation planning. Designed specifically for professionals involved in marine mammal research, conservation, offshore environmental assessments, and regulatory review, the course delivers the foundational knowledge needed to: * interpret and quantify underwater sound fields * assess and predict potential impacts of industrial noise on marine mammals * understand auditory sensitivities and species‑specific vulnerabilities * evaluate noise exposure in relation to regulatory thresholds and guidance * support the development of effective mitigation and monitoring strategies Course Modules * Introduction to Acoustics & Underwater Acoustics * Key Quantities, Units and Dimensions * Decibels and Acoustic Calculations * Boundary Reflection and Transmission * Ocean Acoustic Environments * Sound Sources and Spectra * Noise, Reverberation & Measurements * Hydrophones and Instrumentation * Anthropogenic Noise in the Ocean * Biological Sound Sources * Marine Wildlife Hearing & Noise Impacts (incl. marine mammals) * Sound Field Modelling for Impact Assessment * Methods for Environmental Impact Assessment * Environmental Regulation & EIA * Soundscapes * Vessel Radiated Noise * Marine Seismic Noise * Mitigation Techniques * Emerging Research Delivered by Dr Paul Lepper and Professor Victor Humphrey, internationally recognised researchers in underwater acoustics and marine environmental noise. Discount 5% student discount with valid ID. Booking & Enquiries 📧 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.

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Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond
by Hal Whitehead 12 Jun '26

12 Jun '26

The following paper has just been published: Consequences of culturally-driven ecological specialization: Killer whales and beyond. by: Hal Whitehead and John K.B. Ford Journal of Theoretical Biology 456: 279-294 Abstract: Culturally-transmitted ecological specialization occurs in killer whales, as well as other species. We hypothesize that some of the remarkable demographic and ecological attributes of killer whales result from this process. We formalize and model (using agent-based stochastic models parametrized using killer whale life history) the cultural evolution of specialization by social groups, in which a narrowing of niche breadth is spread and maintained in a group through social learning. We compare the demographic and ecological results of cultural specialization to those of a similar model of specialization through natural selection. We found that specialization, through either the cultural or natural selection routes, is adaptive in the short term with specialization often increasing fitness. Generalization, in contrast, is rarely adaptive. The cultural evolution of specialization can lead to increased rates of group extirpation. Specialization has little effect on group size but tends to reduce population size and resource abundance. While the two specialization processes produce similar results, cultural specialization can be very much faster. The results are generally consistent with what we know of the formation and maintenance of specialist ecotypes in killer whales, and have implications for the persistence, nature and ecological effects of these apex predators. You can read a .pdf at: http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/labpub.htm Hal Whitehead Dalhousie University hwhitehe(a)dal.ca

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New publication: Modeling pinniped pup production
by Eiren Jacobson 31 Mar '26

31 Mar '26

Dear Colleagues, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to announce our recent (ish) publication in Ecological Modeling: A state-space model for estimating pinniped pup production from serial counts at breeding colonies Jacobson, E.K., M.R. Goldman, L. Thomas, D.J.F. Russell https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2025.111333 Estimating pinniped abundance is difficult because they are highly mobile and widely distributed, and spend the majority of time at sea. Abundance estimates are typically based on counts on land or ice. In species that breed colonially, such as the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus), monitoring is largely focused on the breeding season, and pup production (number of pups born in a season) is used as an index of the total population size. At any one colony, grey seals give birth over several months, so not all pups are present at the colony at any one time. Pups are born white and moult into an adult-like coat before leaving the colony. At most key UK breeding colonies, over the course of a breeding season, a series of digital photographic aerial surveys are conducted and analysts count the numbers of white and moulted seal pups photographed. We developed a flexible state-space model to estimate pup production using these count data. The model is comprised of a deterministic process model for birth, moult, and leaving, and a stochastic observation model that allows for imperfect detection and classification. We implemented this model in Template Model Builder (TMB) and fit it using maximum likelihood. We show that our model performs well on simulated and real datasets. This model could be applied to other taxa for which successive counts of different life stages are collected, and used to investigate key ecological questions including, for example, the impact of climate change on phenology. Cheers, Eiren Eiren Kate Jacobson, PhD (she/they) Research Fellow Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling School of Mathematics and Statistics University of St Andrews eiren.jacobson(a)st-andrews.ac.uk<mailto:eiren.jacobson@st-andrews.ac.uk>

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UF Summer online aquatics courses - Manatee Health & Conservation and Marine Mammal Bio
by Larkin,Iskande (Iske) 30 Mar '26

30 Mar '26

Hi All, Registration is currently open for Summer 2025. The University of Florida, Aquatic Animal Health Program is offering the Manatee Health & Conservation (upper level undergrad and grad) course and Marine Mammal Biology (grad), both fully online. Classes starts Monday May 12th and run through Friday Aug 8th. Registration will remain open through Friday, May 9th. Manatee Health and Conservation Class (VME4016 and VME6017) is an online course (3 credits) that will provide students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) with a detailed overview of manatee natural history, health assessment, and research findings as well as explore conservation issues. Marine Mammal Biology (VME-6014) is an online course (3 credits) available only to Post-Baccalaureate and graduate students and provides a detailed overview of marine mammal species including cetaceans, sirenians, pinnipeds, mustelids, and ursids. Each module will broadly explore a particular ecological, biological, or physiological theme related to the study of marine mammals, including taxonomy and biodiversity, diving physiology, thermoregulation, foraging ecology, and reproduction as well as the many conservation and management issues faced by different marine mammal species. For more information about the class or enrollment, contact Dr. Iskande Larkin (ivlarkin(a)ufl.edu)<mailto:ivlarkin@ufl.edu%29.*This> Sincerely, Dr Iske Larkin [cid:image001.jpg@01DB94FE.6407D300] Iske V. Larkin, PhD Senior Lecturer & Education Coordinator Director of Aquatic Animal Health Program Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida PO Box 100136 2015 SW 16th Ave Gainesville, Florida 32610 Office phone - 352-294-4095 Work cell - 352-494-1742 Fax - 352-392-8289 Program web page: http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu<http://aquatic.vetmed.ufl.edu/> "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Anonymous ________________________________

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New publication: Multi-event modeling of Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) fecundity using four decades of monitoring: Implications for current management of bycatch (Steph Bennington)
by Steph Bennington 30 Mar '26

30 Mar '26

Dear colleagues, we are pleased to announce the open access publication of our work. Here, we provide an updated estimate of the fecundity of Hector's dolphin at Banks Peninsula. These findings demonstrate a lower reproductive output than previously estimated. ABSTRACT: Prediction of future population trajectories is vital in the management of threatened species but requires accurate estimates of demographic rates. One such parameter is fecundity, which is commonly expressed as the number of offspring produced per female per year. The endangered Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) is Aotearoa New Zealand's only endemic cetacean and is threatened by bycatch from inshore trawl and gillnet fisheries. Here, we take advantage of 40 years of continued photo-identification effort at Banks Peninsula to construct a Bayesian open-population multi-event capture–recapture model. We estimated fecundity for Hector's dolphins at 0.29 (95% credible interval [CI]: 0.22–0.39) which corresponds to an average calving frequency of one calf every 3.4 years (95% CI: 2.5–4.7 years). This new estimate is substantially lower and more precise than the previous estimate of fecundity for Hector's dolphins (e.g., 0.409, 95% CI: 0.267–0.635), but is based on a larger dataset, and aligns closely with estimates from other dolphin species. This updated estimate of fecundity indicates a lower capacity for population growth and reduced resilience to anthropogenic threats, including bycatch in fisheries. The study can be accessed at http://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.70242 Dr. Steph Bennington, Postdoctoral scholar Oregon State University, steph.bennington36(a)gmail.com

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Workshop reminder: Under-utilised tools for securing pro-conservation behaviours in a uninformed or disinterested public
by Andrew Wright 30 Mar '26

30 Mar '26

Dear Marmam, A reminder that the workshop titled “*Under-utilised tools for securing pro-conservation behaviours in a disinterested public: advancing marine mammal conservation goals through human psychology*” to be held in *Dundee, Scotland, on the 19th April 2026*, ahead of the European Cetacean Society (ECS) conference. It is expected to run 11:00-18:00 to cater to anyone arriving for the ECS conference that begins the following day. *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 purview 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 *IS NOW FULL*. How to register: Email Andrew Wright at Andrew (at) VocalEarth.com by 10th April - 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 quantifying range-wide space use from sightings of N. Atlantic right whales
by Abigail Kreuser 30 Mar '26

30 Mar '26

Dear MARMAM community, My co-authors and I are excited to share our recent publication on the method we used to quantify space use using individual sightings of North Atlantic right whales across their range. The article can be downloaded and accessed for free from LO Methods https://doi.org/10.1002/lom3.70049. Title: Individual movement modeling expands the power of migratory species observations: North Atlantic right whale case study Abstract: Understanding a population’s distribution depends on observing the presence and movement of individuals throughout their range. For highly mobile marine species, these observations typically rely on high effort monitoring programs. Tracking enough individuals to understand trends in movement behavior is not always logistically feasible, and animals are less likely to be observed in migratory or transitional habitats. To optimize observation data we built a Brownian bridge movement model to generate spatially and temporally explicit space use estimations of individuals along tracks created from intermittent sightings of North Atlantic right whales from 1980-2022. Right whales can be identified by unique callosities and markings, providing a noninvasive opportunity to link sightings to individual movement. This model generated location probability estimates of medium- and large-scale movements in biologically plausible habitats. A total of 351,214 days of occurrence distributions were calculated from 67,840 sightings attributed to 806 individuals, representing more than a 5-fold increase in individual spatial information. From 1980-2022, the model generated space use estimates for at least one whale on 75.7% of days, compared to the underlying visual sightings data which only provided observations on 38.7% of days. Model outputs compared to tracks of tagged whales demonstrated proficiency estimating space use across regions. The occurrence distributions produced depict known changes in seasonal and decadal space use and estimate transitional space use where observations are sparse. These methods improve spatial distribution predictions in intermittently observed animals and expand the utility of stationary sightings without constraining predictions to historical relationships with the environment. Kreuser, A.M., Pendleton, D.E., Record, N.R. and Meyer-Gutbrod, E.L. (2026), Individual movement modeling expands the power of migratory species observations: North Atlantic right whale case study. Limnol Oceanogr Methods e70049. https://doi.org/10.1002/lom3.70049 Best wishes, Abigail Kreuser -- Abigail Kreuser (she/her) PhD Candidate | Marine Science Conservation Oceanography Lab <https://meyer-gutbrod.weebly.com/> | Personal Website <https://abigailkreuser.weebly.com/> School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment University of South Carolina

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University of Miami Tenure Track Faculty Position Opening
by Cartolano, Maria C. 30 Mar '26

30 Mar '26

Dear MARMAM Community, The Department of Marine Biology and Ecology (MBE) at the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the broad areas of Marine Biomedical Science or Quantitative Systems Ecology. We seek innovative scientists with an outstanding research and education record who can enrich our department through cutting-edge research, engaged teaching, mentoring, and service. Please note that while this position is advertised for an Assistant Professor, we will consider applicants for the Associate Professor level. Additionally, the deadline is flexible until the position is filled. Applicants with marine mammal research interests are encouraged to apply. Details can be found here: https://umiami.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMFaculty/job/Assistant-Professo… Thank you! Maria Maria C. Cartolano, Ph.D. Senior Lecturer | Department of Marine Biology and Ecology Marine Mammal Science Track Coordinator | MPS Program WAVES<https://www.earth.miami.edu/engagement-and-giving/outreach/water-advocates-…> Program Director | @waves4future Partnerships & Engagement Coordinator | Robert K. Johnson Center for Marine Conservation Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science University of Miami | mcartolano(a)miami.edu

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