March 2026 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

IMMS Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program Summer Internship
by Kailey Pamperin 30 Mar '26

30 Mar '26

*Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program Summer Internship* *Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS)* *Gulfport, Mississippi* Application Deadline: April 8th *Job Description* IMMS’ Research Internship Program is designed to provide exceptional research and learning experiences in a real-world setting to early career scientists in the fields of marine biology and ecology, marine mammal population ecology and behavior, veterinary sciences and conservation. In this position, interns will primarily assist the institute’s Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID Program in collecting and processing photographs of bottlenose dolphins in the Mississippi Sound. Interns will also gain diverse experience working in other program areas including marine mammal and sea turtle stranding response, sea turtle surveys, aquaria maintenance and animal care, and marine education and conservation. *As part of a research team, primary duties include: * Sort and process photographs of bottlenose dolphins Conduct boat-based bottlenose dolphin photo-ID surveys up to 7 days per month in estuarine and nearshore marine Gulf Coast waters. Dolphin surveys generally take around 8 hours and may occur in challenging weather and coastal conditions. Photograph dolphins and collect survey data during boat-based field surveys Match dolphin photographs to our catalog of known individuals using finFindR Enter collected bottlenose dolphin and environmental data in FinBase/Microsoft Access Assist in diverse research efforts related to bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and estuarine and near-shore marine ecology When needs arise, assist other program areas including stranding response, sea turtle surveys, animal care and marine education. *Internship Requirements* Applicants must be 18 years or older. Applicants should be actively pursuing a college degree or be a recent graduate in biology, marine science, marine biology, marine and estuarine ecology, oceanography or a related field. Previous research experience is preferred. Applicants must be able and willing to fulfill all of the duties described in this internship position. Internship positions are 40 hours per week (generally Mon-Fri/8 am-4 pm). As needs arrive, responding to stranded dolphins and sea turtles, for instance, interns may need to shift their schedules to assist our Stranding Department in these efforts. Internship start and end dates for this Summer are flexible, but preferred late May/early June. We do require a minimum of a 12-week commitment for this internship position. *Additional Information* Research internships are unpaid positions. IMMS provides a reimbursement per week for groceries. Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. To apply, please send a completed application form (found on our IMMS website), resume (with 2 letters-of-recommendation), a copy of your college transcripts, and a one-page statement of interest to researchintern(a)imms.org. For information about the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, please visit our website https://imms.org/internship/.

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New publication: First eDNA-based detection of pygmy sperm whale in the Mediterranean Sea
by Elena Agnese Valsecchi 29 Mar '26

29 Mar '26

Dear MARMAMers, On behalf of my coauthors, I am pleased to share our recent publication in *Mammal Review*: Valsecchi E, Rota A, Pupillo G, Fraija-Fernández N, Raga JA, Maffucci F, Galli P, Arcangeli A. 2026. Seeing through the “clouds” with molecular “eyes”. First eDNA-based detections of the pygmy sperm whale (*Kogia breviceps*) in the Mediterranean Sea. Mammal Review 56:e70028 The abstract is copied below, and the open-access PDF can be downloaded at: https://doi.org/10.1111/mam.70028 *ABSTRACT* *Introduction*: The pygmy sperm whale (*Kogia breviceps*) is globally distributed but considered absent in the Mediterranean Sea, with no confirmed sightings to date. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis offers a non-invasive, cost-effective, and highly sensitive tool for detecting marine species where direct observation is challenging. *Methods*: An extensive eDNA metabarcoding analysis was conducted on 393 samples collected during the LIFE- CONCEPTU MARIS multidisciplinary monitoring programme (October 2022–October 2024). Mitochondrial 12S-rDNA and 16S-rDNA amplicons were compared with reference databases and with sequences from stranded *Kogia* individuals from Atlantic regions adjacent to the Mediterranean and from the Mediterranean itself to ensure robust species identification. *Results*: At least five independent detections of *K. breviceps* were recorded from Gibraltar to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Repeated signals and high read abundance support detection reliability. Spatio-temporal patterns and haplotype diversity suggest the presence of multiple individuals, possible seasonal occurrence, with detections significantly associated with nocturnal sampling. *Discussion*: The study provides the first molecular detection of *K. breviceps *in the Mediterranean and shows that eDNA is effective in detecting the species, possibly facilitated by the release of DNA-rich defensive fluids characteristic of the genus. The lack of visual records likely reflects limited surface activity and historical exclusion from Mediterranean cetacean check-lists, suggesting that some unidentified small-cetacean sightings may correspond to this species. *Synthesis and Recommendations*: This study highlights the value of integrated molecular, acoustic and visual monitoring and recommends enhancing multidisciplinary monitoring frameworks to better understand the distribution and ecology of this poorly known, rare and elusive species. Elena Valsecchi, PhD University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy *elena.valsecchi(a)unimib.it <elena.valsecchi(a)unimib.it>*

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New publication on baleen whale climate vulnerabilities
by Lesley Thorne 29 Mar '26

29 Mar '26

Dear colleagues, Along with my co-author Erin Meyer-Gutbrod, I'm pleased to share a new publication "Ecology and life history of baleen whales inform climate change vulnerabilities and priorities for future monitoring". Thorne LH and E Meyer-Gutbrod. 2026. Ecology and life history of baleen whales inform climate change vulnerabilities and priorities for future monitoring, ICES Journal of Marine Science, Volume 83, Issue 3, fsag042, https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsag042 Abstract: Baleen whales are key consumers in marine habitats that serve as vectors of nutrients, but their populations have been slow to recover from past commercial whaling due to their low reproductive rates and ongoing anthropogenic threats. Climate impacts have become central to the demography and habitat use of baleen whales, and conservation efforts must account for these impacts to be effective. However, knowledge of baleen whale climate responses is lacking, and current survey effort is insufficient to capture changes in migration and habitat use for many species. Due to their unique combination of ecological and life history characteristics, baleen whales are particularly vulnerable to climate change and their climate responses should be expected to differ fundamentally from those of other marine consumers. These characteristics include the need for both large quantities and high densities of prey, the need to accumulate large energy reserves seasonally, as well as highly migratory movements and the reliance on high-latitude foraging areas with narrow seasonal windows in resource availability. Climate responses in baleen whales may involve abrupt changes in foraging habitat in contrast to more gradual poleward shifts observed in other species, changes in the timing, extent or tendency for migration, and changes in energy accumulation or fitness. Recognizing that climate impacts may differ from other species is critical to measuring and anticipating changes to baleen whale populations in the face of ongoing climate change, and to effectively managing their populations in the future. North Atlantic right whales (*Eubalena glacialis*), arguably the best studied baleen whale species at a population scale, exemplify expectations for baleen whale climate responses and the implications for future management and conservation. Right whales have shown abrupt changes to traditional patterns of habitat use and migratory behavior, with major implications for the effectiveness of existing protections. Understanding and detecting baleen whale climate responses and effectively guiding management in the face of ongoing change will require increased survey effort and novel methods to survey remote habitats; improved knowledge of mechanisms of prey aggregation and climate impacts on these processes; and continued development and refinement of mechanistic models and dynamic management strategies. Best, Lesley ...................................................... *Lesley Thorne* *Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research* *School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences* *Stony Brook University* Office: 631.632.5117 www.thornelab.com <http://www.thornelab.com> [image: Stony Brook University logo] <http://www.stonybrook.edu/>

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Request to post - PSO Needed Offshore Ghana
by Kobo, Kim 29 Mar '26

29 Mar '26

Dear all, We have an opening for a PSO offshore in Ghana at the end of April for an estimated 3-4 weeks. This is a contractor position with CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. Applicants MUST have offshore PSO experience and hold the following valid certifications: BOEM/JNCC (or equivalent PSO qualification), BOSIET, and a current offshore medical. Travel and accommodation provided. Please send CV, copies of certifications with expiry dates, and availability to kkobo(a)conshelf.com<mailto:kkobo@conshelf.com>. Kim Kobo, M.Sc. Project Scientist East Med Marine Mammals Program Manager CSA Ocean Sciences (Israel) Limited Building 14, Kibbutz Mishmarot Industrial Park 3784000 Israel Email: kkobo(a)conshelf.com<mailto:kkobo@conshelf.com> Web: http://www.csaocean.com<http://www.csaocean.com/> Mobile: +972-54-688-8009 [1757404379205]

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Detection and approach of distant trawlers by bottlenose dolphins
by Giovanni Bearzi 27 Mar '26

27 Mar '26

We just published a Short Communication reporting that bottlenose dolphins can detect fishing trawlers from at least 2.6 km away, before they move to forage and scavenge in their wake. The article can be freely downloaded from the DOI link below. Cheers, Giovanni Bearzi and Silvia Bonizzoni Bearzi G., Bonizzoni S. 2026. Bottlenose dolphin detection and approach to distant trawlers in the northwestern Adriatic Sea. Acta Adriatica 67(1). https://doi.org/10.32582/aa.67.1.2 ABSTRACT – Common bottlenose dolphins *Tursiops truncatus* have adapted to foraging and scavenging behind fishing trawlers in many areas around the world. This opportunistic behaviour is widespread in Adriatic Sea waters off the region of Veneto, Italy. On October 1st, 2020, we tracked a group of bottlenose dolphins from a 6 m boat, north-east of the Po River Delta. The dolphins foraged behind midwater pair trawlers, then four individuals abandoned the vessels and engaged in fast, highly-directional movement toward another distant pair of midwater trawlers, at speeds of 8-14 km/h, as the trawlers moved away from the dolphins. After 29 min of fast directional travelling, the dolphins reached the midwater trawlers and immediately started foraging in their wake. GPS tracking of dolphin positions, combined with trawler positions obtained from AIS data matching vessel name/plate, revealed that the trawlers were 2.6 km away from the dolphins when the animals first appeared to have detected them – consistent with reports of detection-and-approach in other seas. While bottlenose dolphins in our 3,000 km2 study area frequently moved from one fishing trawler (or pair of trawlers) to the next, the trawlers’ detection-and-approach event reported here was the longest observed during our 7-year study, totalling 721 encounters with fishing trawlers and 17,432 km of survey effort during 129 days of monitoring trawling activities. Long-distance detection can theoretically enhance foraging opportunities, though the substantial negative effects of trawling on marine ecosystems make it difficult to disentangle causes and effects, and determine whether there may be net demographic benefits to the dolphins. - - - - - - - Giovanni Bearzi http://www.dolphinbiology.org/people/giovanni_bearzi.htm

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ECS 2026 workshop invitation - Losing genes: deciphering the mechanisms behind gene loss in cetaceans
by Raul Valente 27 Mar '26

27 Mar '26

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of the organizing team of the workshop *“Losing genes: deciphering the mechanisms behind gene loss in cetaceans”* at ECS 2026, we warmly invite you to participate in our workshop, which will take place on Monday, April 20, as a half-day event. Please find below detailed information about the workshop, as well as the registration link. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Gene loss is a key molecular evolutionary mechanism driving adaptation to novel ecological niches. This process does not necessarily entail complete gene deletion but can also arise from mutations that disrupt protein function or impair mRNA production. Cetaceans provide a compelling model for studying this process, due to the extensive suite of inactivation events associated with their transition from terrestrial to aquatic environments. Prior research has documented the loss or inactivation of multiple genes linked to hair follicle development, sebaceous glands, and lung function, aligning with cetaceans specific morphological and physiological traits. This workshop will be divided into two components: a theoretical section providing an overview of gene loss as an evolutionary mechanism, and a practical section in which participants will learn how to investigate gene loss using genomic resources. The practical component will introduce the use of databases such as NCBI, Gene Loss Database and Ensembl as well as tools such asPseudoChecker and Geneious Prime, providing participants with the skills to detect, annotate, and interpret gene loss events in an evolutionary framework. Registration link: https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu/conference-workshops-37 Looking forward to see you in the conference! Raul Valente (on behalf of the Organizing team) -- *Raul Valente* PosDoc Researcher Coastal Biodiversity Lab - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research Department of Biology - Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto *CIIMAR | Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research* *of the University of Porto* Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N 4450-208 Matosinhos | Portugal E-mail: *raulfonsecavalente(a)gmail.com <raulfonsecavalente(a)gmail.com>*

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Paper on cetacean debris ingestion
by Andre Silva Barreto 27 Mar '26

27 Mar '26

Dear Colleagues, I'd like to share with you a recently published paper on debris ingestion by cetaceans published in Marine Pollution Bulletin. We performed a comprehensive assessment of marine debris ingestion among 22 cetacean species (approximately half of Brazil’s known cetacean diversity) stranded along the southern Brazilian coast (Paraná and Santa Catarina) between 2015 and 2020. Drawing on data from the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), we analyzed the gastrointestinal contents of 884 individuals, and detected anthropogenic debris in 10.1% of the total sample. Coastal species exhibited the highest vulnerability, with the endangered Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) presenting the highest ingestion rate at 17.9%, likely driven by its foraging strategy. Other affected coastal species included the Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) at 6.0% and the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) at 2.5% The paper is open access and can be found at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119614 Please get in touch if you have any questions. ________________________________ Dr. André S. Barreto Website: https://libgeo.univali.br<https://libgeo.univali.br/> Google Scholar Profile<https://scholar.google.com.br/citations?user=w-2Z_jUAAAAJ&hl=en> / ORCID<https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6606-0028> / CV Lattes<http://lattes.cnpq.br/1198000886140686> Lab. de Informática da Biodiversidade e Geomática Setor D6, Sala 207 / Escola Politécnica, UNIVALI R. Uruguai, 458 - CEP 88302-901 - Itajaí/SC - Brasil Fone: 47-33417960 - FAX: 47-33417715

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Remote training - Applied Marine Acoustic & Signal Processing
by Zoe Wright 27 Mar '26

27 Mar '26

Applied Marine Acoustic & Signal Processing Training Course- STRONG FOCUS ON NOISE-BASED EIA. 2026 Course dates 24th April and 01st May (2 days) Delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams. Acoustics in the marine domain encompasses physics, biology, chemistry, and geology. Understanding and processing relevant data from a variety of sensors helps in making regulatory and financial decisions. There is a strong need to employ an interdisciplinary and hands-on approach when working with acoustic datasets. A unique opportunity to understand the marine acoustic environment to enhance knowledge and opportunity relating to further understanding for future marine mammal research and conservation. Developed with a strong focus on the physical principles, coupled with practical signal processing techniques, this training aims to equip delegates with the real skills and tools they can use immediately. The transferable skills are proven in both commercial and research fields. Cost £1540 exclusive VAT To book this training course or to find out more, please email training(a)seiche.com<mailto:training@seiche.com> Who should attend Biologists - Environmental Consultants – Contractors – Engineers – Enthusiasts – Managers - Regulators also Students and young Scientists. Certification A Seiche Training Certificate will be issued on completion of the training. 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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Graduate Summer Course in Bioacoustics, August 2-15, 2026, Denmark
by Peter Teglberg Madsen 27 Mar '26

27 Mar '26

Dear All, We are very happy to announce our bi-annual summer course for PhD students in bioacoustics with high relevance for students working with marine mammals and sound. Please see information below. Best Peter Application open for the Graduate Summer Course in Bioacoustics, August 2-15, 2026, Denmark. Our hands-on course focuses on methods for studying animal acoustic communication and echolocation in water and air. Our amazing team of world-renowned experts will teach you the fundamentals of acoustics, signal analysis, psychoacoustics, animal sound production, perception and noise. In- and outdoor labs provide hands-on experience on sound and vibration recording, sound analysis, and playback in air and water with emphasis on methodological limitations and pitfalls. There will be practical experience with recording vocalisations from trained pinnipeds and echolocation signals from trained harbour porpoises, and labs on how to make quantitative measurements of underwater noise. Teachers: Iris Adam (SDU), Jakob Christensen-Dalsgaard (SDU), Coen P.H. Elemans (SDU), Lasse Jakobsen (SDU), Elodie Mande-Briefer (Copenhagen University, DK), Ole Næsbye Larsen (SDU), Peter Teglberg Madsen (Aarhus University, DK), Jeppe Have Rasmussen (Copenhagen University, DK), Jakob Tougaard (Aarhus University, DK) Magnus Wahlberg (SDU), Sue Anne Zollinger (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK). The course is taught at the marine and terrestrial field stations of the Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark. Application should be emailed to bioacoustics(a)biology.sdu.dk<mailto:bioacoustics@biology.sdu.dk> Application deadline: April 10th, 2026. Priority is given to students enrolled in a PhD-program at their home universities. Maximal number of participants: 24. Successful applicants will be notified of acceptance before May 1st, 2026. More information on how to apply: https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/sound-communication-behaviour/education/gra…

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2026 Research Assistant Opportunity - Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project
by Diana Alvarado 26 Mar '26

26 Mar '26

2026 Research Assistant Opportunity - Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project The Shark Bay Dolphin Research Project (SBDRP) is seeking dedicated research assistants for the upcoming field season. The field season will run from approximately mid-August to mid-December (roughly December 10 to allow for travel home before the holidays). The SBDRP is a long-term research project run in collaboration between Georgetown University, Texas A&M University at Galveston, and the University of Queensland. The SBDRP has been collecting behavioral, life-history, ecological, and genetic data on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Western Australia since the mid-1980s. This field season will focus on graduate research collecting drone data and continuing routine long-term population monitoring efforts on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. Field work is demanding and requires long hours both on and off the water, but the dolphin research is both fun and rewarding. Those interested in a STEM career, especially in behavioral ecology, marine mammalogy, marine science or evolutionary biology are encouraged to apply. It may be helpful to review our website and publications (monkeymiadolphins.org <http://monkeymiadolphins.org/>) to get a feel for our lab's work. Timeframe: ~4 months Field site: Monkey Mia, Shark Bay, Western Australia. Monkey Mia is approximately 850 km north of Perth and is part of the largest World Heritage site in Western Australia. Our field site is beautiful, and is home to diverse wildlife such as sharks, rays, turtles, dugongs, whales, and of course, resident bottlenose dolphins. Monkey Mia is remote, but we do have amenities including electricity and running water, reliable cell phone service, and limited internet. Housing will be provided, and the research team will share cooking responsibilities in a communal kitchen and other domestic chores. Job responsibilities: Research assistants will help collect extensive behavioral data from the boat, including surveys and focal follows on individual dolphins. Boat work is dependent on weather, but even on windy days we need to be ready to pack up and quickly get out on the water if the wind drops. Days on the water can be consecutive, long, and tiring in variable environmental conditions. Days on land require extensive, and tedious, data entry and processing. Most of your time will be spent: - Searching for and spotting dolphins - Driving the boat - Scribing data during surveys and focal follows - Entering dolphin sightings and environmental data into the computer - Doing basic maintenance, equipment prep and cleaning Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be a graduating senior with a science background and a genuine interest in marine mammal science and behavior. This position is well suited for students of marine biology, animal behavior, zoology, ecology, genetics, or similar fields looking to gain additional analytical and field experience. Applicants must be able to work closely with a small team (3-6 people). We not only work together, but also live, cook, and eat together, so maturity, sense of humor, a positive attitude and a collaborative nature are critical. The candidate must: - Possess basic computer skills - Be detail oriented, flexible, level-headed, and patient - Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills - Work well both independently and in a team - Be comfortable on a boat and working in a remote location - Be prepared to work long, consecutive days, including weekends - Fieldwork experience, or experience working on boats or with drones, is desirable but not required. The most essential qualifications are that you are flexible, conscientious, and hard-working, and are excited about the research. Salary: Research assistants will receive a modest stipend. All travel and living expenses (flights, visas, housing, and food) will also be covered. Eligibility: - This position is not restricted to U.S. citizens. - This position is open to all applicants completing their bachelor's degree in 2026 before the start of the field season. - Applicants who have completed, are currently enrolled or will begin a graduate program (M.S. or Ph.D.) by August 1st 2026 are not eligible for this position. - Applicants must be fluent in English. - Due to the nature of the work, all participants must be in good physical health and able to lift 20 kg (50 lbs). Application: https://forms.gle/kBuk9CetgCNoUSjs5 The Google Form will be open from March 27 to April 10, 2026. The application will close at 11:59 pm EST on April 10th. No late submissions will be considered. All applicants will receive notification of our decision no later than May 30th. Any questions can be directed to field season lead, Diana Alvarado (dca51(a)georgetown.edu <mailto:dca51@georgetown.edu>). -- Diana C. Alvarado (she/her) PhD Student, Department of Biology Georgetown University

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